When looking for waterproofs, you need to know which materials are and aren’t going to work. One question people tend to ask is whether nylon is a waterproof material. This is a standard option for outdoor equipment and clothes due to its durability and performance. Despite its status as a versatile fabric, there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding its waterproofing. We intend to clear up the confusion by discussing matters here. So, let’s look at nylon more deeply.

What is nylon?

We’ll begin by going over what this material is exactly. What we have here is a synthetic substance. Due to its durability, strength, and adaptability, it became a popular silk alternative. It did so following its debut in the 1930s.

As for nylon’s composition, it’s a material derived from petroleum using a chemical process called polymerisation. This results in a long-chain synthetic polymer. Thus, the unique attributes, like its abrasion resistance, flexibility, and strength, are the result of its molecular structure.

In the field of textiles, nylon is commonly used to create luggage, apparel, and other consumer goods. Moreover, its outstanding textile strength and low weight makes it the ideal choice for many industrial applications.

Is it waterproof?

Now, we can talk about whether nylon is waterproof. In its untreated form, it isn’t inherently. As a result, it typically isn’t good for waterproofs.

The thing to keep in mind here is raw nylon is a hydrophilic material. That means it has a natural affinity for water. When exposed to it, nylon absorbs moisture. This can cause the fabric to feel damp and retain the water, leading to discomfort. What’s more, the weight increases when it becomes wet because of absorption. It will be noticeable, especially in outdoor gear such as backpacks.

Thankfully, nylon fabric can dry relatively quickly if you compare to cotton and other natural fibres. Saying this, proper drying is critical to preserve the fabric’s quality.

Can you make nylon waterproof?

If you’re wondering whether it is possible to make nylon waterproof, it is. You can enhance its water resistance through several methods. The most common is applying a durable water repellent (DWR) coating. It alters the material’s surface tension. As a result, water beads up and rolls off instead of getting absorbed.

Conclusion

To conclude, nylon isn’t an inherently waterproof material. But it does possess waterproofing features. It’s also possible to enhance its abilities using a protective coating. This provides moderate defence against light rain.

Plus, it is vital to understand the restrictions that come with nylon’s water resistance. You must take the right measures to preserve and improve the coating. You might be considering nylon for outdoor gear or clothing. Whatever the case, knowing its waterproofing performance will help you make the right choices.

We have the waterproofs you need

At JS Hubbuck Ltd, we have plenty of quality products available. This includes jackets, boots and more. They are sure to keep you dry and comfortable in damp settings. Our prices are also very competitive.

So, please get in touch if you’re interested in waterproofs or anything else on our website. We have a much broader range of products at our shop, so if you can’t see what you need, we may have it here.